'Lion' sets Hawai'i auditions

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Disney's "The Lion King," a smash hit on Broadway and a roaring success on national tour, is heading to Hawai'i to audition singers and dancers to join the company.

An open call for prospective performers will be held on these dates:

Singers: Oct. 5, University of Hawai'i-Manoa Music Department, 2411 Dole St., Room 35. Sign-ins from 9:30 a.m. through noon, with auditions beginning at 10 a.m. Candidates should be be able to perform in a strong, dynamic pop, rock or gospel style, suitable for various roles including that of African lions Simba and Nala, as well as ensemble parts. Acting ability is a must. Auditioners should prepare an up-tempo tune that shows off voice and range, not traditional musical theater repertoire. A photo stapled to a resume, with performance credits, also is required. Adults 18 and older, and youths 8 to 12, of all cultural backgrounds are sought.

Dancers: Oct. 8 for females, Oct. 9 for males, at Ballet Hawai'i studios at Dole Cannery. Sign-ups from 9 to 9:30 a.m., warm-ups until 9:30 a.m., when auditions begin. Dancers with a background in modern dance, from late teens to early 30s, are sought. Some male dancers require acrobatic skills. Dancers may be asked to sing one contemporary, pop or gospel tune (no musical theater repertoire). Dancers should wear flat jazz shoes or audition barefoot. Photo and resume also necessary.

Auditioners should bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided.

An audition team from the Mainland will be here to conduct the tryouts; call-back auditions for singers and dancers will follow through Oct. 11, so applicants should be available and prepared for appointments.

"The Lion King," which features music by Elton John and Tim Rice, has been a sell-out on Broadway and on the road; it has generated such hit songs as "Circle of Love," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "Hakuna Matata." The show has had Hawai'i ties in Christine Yasunaga, a dance ensemble member, who was in the original cast on Broadway, and Jewl Anguay, who had been playing Nala in the Los Angeles company before bowing out to seek a recording career.

Information: Elissa Josephsohn, at 732-7733; on the day of open calls, 258-7749.